DOCSLIB.ORG

Nesting Migrations and Reproductive Biology of the Mona Rhinoceros Iguana, Cyclura Stejnegeri

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nesting Migrations and Reproductive Biology of the Mona Rhinoceros Iguana, Cyclura Stejnegeri Herpetological Conservation and Biology 11(Monograph 6):197–213. Submitted: 2 September 2014; Accepted: 12 November 2015; Published: 12 June 2016. NESTING MIGRATIONS AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MONA RHINOCEROS IGUANA, CYCLURA STEJNEGERI 1,3 1 2 NÉSTOR PÉREZ-BUITRAGO , ALBERTO M. SABAT , AND W. OWEN MCMILLAN 1Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931 2Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092 Panamá, República of Panamá 3 Current Address: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Orinoquía, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias de la Orinoquía (GICO), km 9 vía Tame, Arauca, Colombia 3Corresponding author, e-mail: [email protected] Abstract.—We studied the nesting migrations and reproductive ecology of the endangered Mona Rhinoceros Iguana Cyclura stejnegeri at three localities from 2003 to 2006. Female movements while seeking a nesting site ranged from 0.3 to 12.8 km, were mostly erratic. Time elapsed between mating and oviposition averaged 30 ± 5 days, while the nesting period lasted four weeks (July to early August). Nest site fidelity by females in consecutive years was 50%, although non-resident females at one study site used the same beach 72% of the time. Clutch size averaged 14 eggs and was positively correlated with female snout-vent length (SVL). Egg length was the only egg size variable correlated negatively with female size. Incubation temperatures averaged 32.8° C (2005) and 30.2° C (2006) and fluctuated up to 9° C. Overall hatching success from 2003–2005 was 75.9%. Some nests failed as a result of flooding of the nest chamber and in one case a nest was destroyed by feral pigs. Hatchling sex ratio was close to 1:1 for all individual nests and all hatchlings collected throughout the study. Hatchling morphometrics (SVL, body mass) were not related to female size. Egg predation by pigs was low compared to previous reports from the 1970s, which reached levels of up to 100% in some years. The dramatic increase in hatching success may be the result of fencing the most important iguana nesting areas in 1985, an initiative that is maintained until now, to prevent feral pig incursions. Resumen.—Del 2003 al 2006 estudiamos la migraciones asociadas a la búsqueda de sitios para la anidación y la ecología reproductiva de la iguana Cyclura stejnegeri en tres localidades de Isla de Mona. Las distancias recorridas por las hembras durante la búsqueda de sitios para anidar fluctuaron entre 0.3 y 12.8 km con desplazamientos en su mayoría erráticos. El tiempo promedio entre el apareamiento y la ovoposición fue de 30 ± 5 días y la época de anidación duró cuatro semanas entre julio y agosto. Las hembras mostraron fidelidad al sitio de anidaje en un 50% de los casos, aunque el 72% de hembras no residentes en una playa retornaron a la misma en años consecutivos. El promedio de huevos por nidada fue de 14 y estuvo positivamente correlacionado con el tamaño (longitud hocico-cloaca, SVL) de la hembra. De las dimensiones de los huevos, solo el largo del huevo estuvo negativamente correlacionado con el tamaño de la hembra. Las temperaturas de incubación promedio fueron de 32.8° C (2005) y 30.2° C (2006) con fluctuaciones hasta de 9° C. Algunos nidos fueron destruidos debido a las fuertes lluvias que inundaron la cámara del nido y solo un nido fue destruido por cerdos silvestres. La proporción sexual de los neonatos fue de 1:1 para los nidos individuales y para todos los neonatos colectados en el estudio. La morfometría de los neonatos (SVL, peso) no estuvo relacionada con el tamaño de la madre. La depredación de nidos por cerdos fue baja comparada con los años setenta cuando podía alcanzar valores hasta del 100% en algunos años. El incremento sustancial en el éxito de eclosión puede ser el resultado de la instalación de cercas en 1985 en algunas áreas de anidaje para evitar la depredación de nidos por parte de cerdos silvestres. Key Words.—Caribbean Iguanine; lizard; nesting ecology; reproductive success; rock iguana INTRODUCTION (Alberts 2007; Pérez-Buitrago et al. 2008; Burton and Rivera-Milán 2014), translocations (Knapp 2000, 2001; Caribbean Ground Rock Iguanas (11 species, eight Knapp and Hudson 2004; Wilson et al. 2004), and subspecies; ITWG this volume) of the genus Cyclura are eradication/control of feral animal species (Mitchell et among the most endangered lizards in the world (Alberts al. 2002; Donlan et al. 2003; Campbell et al. 2004; 2000). Factors affecting most of the populations of these Hayes et al. 2004; Gerber 2007). However, knowledge species include habitat degradation, illegal pet trade, and of Cyclura biology is relatively poor due to the negative interactions with exotic animals (Alberts 2000). remoteness of islands on which some species live, and/or Current actions to augment some Cyclura populations the lack of financial/logistic resources to study these include captive breeding and headstarting initiatives long-lived lizards (Iverson et al. 2004). Copyright © 2016. Néstor Pérez-Buitrago; All Rights Reserved. Pérez-Buitrago, Néstor, AlBerto M. SaBat, and W. Owen McMillan. 2016. Nesting migrations and reproductive Biology of the Mona Rhinoceros Iguana, Cyclura stejnegeri. Pp. 197–213 In Iguanas: Biology, Systematics, and Conservation. Iverson, J.B., T.D. Grant, C.R. Knapp, and S.A. Pasachnik (Eds.). Herpetological Conservation and Biology 11(Monograph 6). Pérez-Buitrago et al.— Reproductive Biology of the Mona Rhinoceros Iguana. Knowledge of the reproductive biology of the genus However, a large part of the coastal plain was planted Cyclura is a critical component to the evaluation of their with exotic species such as Casuarina equisetifolia and population trends, but studies addressing their Swietenia mahogany (Diaz 1984; Cintrón and Rogers reproduction have been limited to descriptions of basic 1991), thus reducing the availability of appropriate and aspects such as timing of nesting and hatching, clutch contiguous nesting sites. Nonetheless, it still constitutes size, egg and hatchling dimensions, and hatching success an estimated 74% of all nesting habitat available on the based on relatively small sample sizes and over short island. Currently, there are small sunny and sandy areas periods of time (but see Iverson et al. 2004; Knapp et al. that apparently have not been affected by human activity 2006). This information has been used to analyze life- recently, as well as areas that were cleared by the DRNA- history trait patterns among species/populations PR in 1992 to provide additional suitable zones for (Wiewandt 1982; Iverson et al. 2004), but its utility in nesting females. In addition to the nesting areas located in developing population viability models that may be used the southwestern coastal plain, there are a few narrow (< to guide specific conservation actions is limited. 150 m wide) beaches available that represent the third Moreover, there are still several aspects of reproduction type of open area available for iguana nesting. in Cyclura that are poorly documented, such as details of This study was conducted at three locations of Mona their nesting migrations. From a conservation Island representing two of the three nesting habitats perspective, knowledge of the factors that may be described above. The Lighthouse site is located near the reducing the availability of nesting areas and/or reducing eastern coast of Mona Island on its limestone plateau, hatching success rates is critical. lacks human disturbance and does not contain well- In this study we document the reproductive biology of defined nesting areas (Fig. 1). The second area, the Mona Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura stejnegeri) using Sardinera Beach, is located in the southwestern coastal radio-telemetry and mark-recapture techniques. During plain near the site of the DRNA-PR facilities, and is a three reproductive seasons (2003–2005), we documented highly disturbed area close to the zones in which the nest timing, clutch size, egg dimensions, hatchling size, native vegetation was replaced by exotic tree species. reproductive effort, and the nesting migrations The third study site, Pájaros Beach, is a narrow but undertaken by females to reach nesting sites. In elongated beach in the southeast where the predominant addition, we compared the spatial variation in clutch size vegetation type is “cliff forest” (Cintrón and Rogers and hatching success across study sites. We also 1991). This area has a small camping facility used by evaluate the effect of management actions taken by the tourists approximately 30% of the year, and contains Department of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico some open zones appropriate for nesting. (DRNA-PR) in 1982 on reproductive success. These actions included fencing some nesting areas to prevent Field data collection.—From 2003 to 2005 we feral pig incursions and creating areas free of vegetation captured female iguanas at the three study sites using to increase available nesting habitat. nets. Most capture effort was concentrated during April, June–July, and October–November. For each captured MATERIALS AND METHODS iguana, we recorded the snout-vent length (SVL) to the nearest 1 mm, body mass (BM) to the nearest 0.1 kg, tail Study site.—Mona Island is located in the middle of length (TL) and tail breaks to the nearest 1 mm. If sex the Mona channel, between the Dominican Republic and was externally unclear, we determined it by probing Puerto Rico. It is an oceanic island with a subtropical (Schaeffer 1934; Dellinger and Von Hegel 1990). We dry forest climate (Ewel and Whitmore 1973). Most of marked iguanas externally with a unique combination of the island’s perimeter is characterized by vertical cliffs color beads attached to the dorsal crest (Rodda et al. 45 m in height that also delimit the largest habitat type of 1988) and internally with a passive integrated the island (93%), the relatively undisturbed limestone transponder (PIT) tag (AVID®).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Cyclura Or Rock Iguanas Cyclura Spp
    Cyclura or Rock Iguanas Cyclura spp. There are 8 species and 16 subspecies of Cyclura that are thought to exist today. All Cyclura species are endangered and are listed as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix I, the highest level of pro- tection the Convention gives. Wild Cyclura are only found in the Caribbean, with many subspecies endemic to only one particular island in the West Indies. Cyclura mature and grow slowly compared to other lizards in the family Iguani- dae, and have a very long life span (sometimes reaches ages of 50+ years). The more common species in the pet trade in- clude the Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta cornuta), and Cuban Rock Iguana (juvenile), the Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila nubila). Cyclura nubila nubila Basic Care: Habitat: Cyclura care is similar to that of the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), but there are some major differences. Cyclura Iguanas are generally ground-dwelling lizards, and require a very large cage with lots of floor space. The suggested minimum space to keep one or two adult Cyclura in captivity is usually a cage that is at the very least 10’X10’. Because of this space requirement, many cyclura owners choose to simply des- ignate a room of their home to free-roaming. If a male/female pair are to be kept to- gether, multiple basking spots, feeding stations, and hides will be required. All Cyclura are extremely territorial and can inflict serious injuries or even death to their cage- mates unless monitored carefully. The recommended temperature for Cyclura is a basking spot of about 95-100F during the day, with a temperature gradient of cooler areas to escape the heat.
    [Show full text]
  • Chuckwalla Habitat in Nevada
    Final Report 7 March 2003 Submitted to: Division of Wildlife, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State of Nevada STATUS OF DISTRIBUTION, POPULATIONS, AND HABITAT RELATIONSHIPS OF THE COMMON CHUCKWALLA, Sauromalus obesus, IN NEVADA Principal Investigator, Edmund D. Brodie, Jr., Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5305 (435)797-2485 Co-Principal Investigator, Thomas C. Edwards, Jr., Utah Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5210 (435)797-2509 Research Associate, Paul C. Ustach, Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5305 (435)797-2450 1 INTRODUCTION As a primary consumer of vegetation in the desert, the common chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus (=ater; Hollingsworth, 1998), is capable of attaining high population density and biomass (Fitch et al., 1982). The 21 November 1991 Federal Register (Vol. 56, No. 225, pages 58804-58835) listed the status of chuckwalla populations in Nevada as a Category 2 candidate for protection. Large size, open habitat and tendency to perch in conspicuous places have rendered chuckwallas particularly vulnerable to commercial and non-commercial collecting (Fitch et al., 1982). Past field and laboratory studies of the common chuckwalla have revealed an animal with a life history shaped by the fluctuating but predictable desert climate (Johnson, 1965; Nagy, 1973; Berry, 1974; Case, 1976; Prieto and Ryan, 1978; Smits, 1985a; Abts, 1987; Tracy, 1999; and Kwiatkowski and Sullivan, 2002a, b). Life history traits such as annual reproductive frequency, adult survivorships, and population density have all varied, particular to the population of chuckwallas studied. Past studies are mostly from populations well within the interior of chuckwalla range in the Sonoran Desert.
    [Show full text]
  • West Indian Iguana Husbandry Manual
    1 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 Natural history ............................................................................................................................... 7 Captive management ................................................................................................................... 25 Population management .............................................................................................................. 25 Quarantine ............................................................................................................................... 26 Housing..................................................................................................................................... 26 Proper animal capture, restraint, and handling ...................................................................... 32 Reproduction and nesting ........................................................................................................ 34 Hatchling care .......................................................................................................................... 40 Record keeping ........................................................................................................................ 42 Husbandry protocol for the Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima)................................. 43 Nutrition ......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • How to Tell the Difference Between Native Rock Iguanas and Invasive Green Iguanas by Elaine A
    How to Tell the Difference Between Native Rock Iguanas and Invasive Green Iguanas By Elaine A. Powers Illustrated by Anderson Atlas Many of the islands in the Caribbean Sea, known as the West Rock Iguanas (Cyclura) Indies, have native iguanas. B Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila), Cuba They are called Rock Iguanas. C Sister Isles Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis), Cayman Brac and Invasive Green Iguanas have been introduced on these islands and Little Cayman are a threat to the Rock Iguanas. They compete for food, territory D Grand Cayman Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi), Grand Cayman and nesting areas. E Jamaican Rock Iguana (Cyclura collei), Jamaica This booklet is designed to help you identify the native Rock F Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata), Turks and Caicos. Iguanas from the invasive Greens. G Booby Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata bartschi), Booby Cay, Bahamas H Andros Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura), Andros, Bahamas West Indies I Exuma Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi), Exuma Islands, Bahamas Exumas BAHAMAS J Allen’s Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata), Exuma Islands, J Islands Bahamas M San Salvador Andros Island H Booby Cay K Anegada Iguana (Cyclura pinguis), British Virgin Islands Allens Cay White G I Cay Ricord’s Iguana (Cyclura ricordi), Hispaniola O F Turks & Caicos L CUBA NAcklins Island M San Salvador Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi), San Salvador, Bahamas Anegada HISPANIOLA CAYMAN ISLANDS K N Acklins Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi nuchalis), Acklins Islands, Bahamas B PUERTO RICO O White Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi cristata), Exuma Islands, Bahamas Grand Cayman D C JAMAICA BRITISH P Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta), Hispanola Cayman Brac & VIRGIN Little Cayman E L P Q Mona ISLANDS Q Mona Island Iguana (Cyclura stegnegeri), Mona Island, Puerto Rico Island 2 3 When you see an iguana, ask: What kind do I see? Do you see a big face scale, as round as can be? What species is that iguana in front of me? It’s below the ear, that’s where it will be.
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanoes & Land Iguanas
    Volcanoes & Land Iguanas 1/2 Background Galapagos iguanas are thought to of arrived in the Galapagos archipelago by floating on of rafts of vegetation from the South American continent. It is estimated that a split of iguana species into Land and Marine Iguanas occurred around 10.5 million years ago. In Galapagos, 3 species of land Iguanas now exist. The Land Iguanas include: Conolophus subcristatus (found on 6 islands), Conolophus pallidus (found only on Santa Fe Island) and a third species Conolophus rosada (known for its pink colour) is found on Wolf volcano on Isabela Island. Habitat Land Iguanas are found in the drier areas of the island. Being cold- blooded, to keep warm they bask in the sun and on the volcanic rock, escaping the midday sun by finding shade under vegetation and rocks, and sleeping in burrows to conserve their body heat. Land Iguanas feed on vegetation such as fallen fruits and cactus pads and even the spines of prickly pear © David cactus. Phillips © Galapagos Conservation © Cyder Trust Volcanoes & Land Iguanas 2/2 Reproduction Between 6 and 10 years of age, male Land Iguanas become highly aggressive, fighting for the attention of the female Land Iguanas. Mating then takes place at the end of the year and eggs are usually laid between January and March (June on Fernandina!). However, in order to lay these eggs female Land Iguanas have no option but to scale to the summit of volcanoes. © Phil Herbert The Volcanic Importance Every pregnant female will need to find a patch of volcanic ash; these pockets of warm soft soil are perfect for the incubation of their eggs; however these sites are difficult to come by.
    [Show full text]
  • Suggested Guidelines for Reptiles and Amphibians Used in Outreach
    RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS USED IN OUTREACH PROGRAMS Compiled by Diane Barber, Fort Worth Zoo Originally posted September 2003; updated February 2008 INTRODUCTION This document has been created by the AZA Reptile and Amphibian Taxon Advisory Groups to be used as a resource to aid in the development of institutional outreach programs. Within this document are lists of species that are commonly used in reptile and amphibian outreach programs. With over 12,700 species of reptiles and amphibians in existence today, it is obvious that there are numerous combinations of species that could be safely used in outreach programs. It is not the intent of these Taxon Advisory Groups to produce an all-inclusive or restrictive list of species to be used in outreach. Rather, these lists are intended for use as a resource and are some of the more common species that have been safely used in outreach programs. A few species listed as potential outreach animals have been earmarked as controversial by TAG members for various reasons. In each case, we have made an effort to explain debatable issues, enabling staff members to make informed decisions as to whether or not each animal is appropriate for their situation and the messages they wish to convey. It is hoped that during the species selection process for outreach programs, educators, collection managers, and other zoo staff work together, using TAG Outreach Guidelines, TAG Regional Collection Plans, and Institutional Collection Plans as tools. It is well understood that space in zoos is limited and it is important that outreach animals are included in institutional collection plans and incorporated into conservation programs when feasible.
    [Show full text]
  • ISG News 9(1).Indd
    Iguana Specialist Group Newsletter Volume 9 • Number 1 • Summer 2006 The Iguana Specialist Group News & Comments prioritizes and facilitates conservation, science, and onservation Centers for Species Survival Formed j Cyclura spp. were awareness programs that help Cselected as a taxa of mutual concern under a new agreement between a select ensure the survival of wild group of American zoos and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The zoos - under iguanas and their habitats. the banner of Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2) - and USFWS have pledged to work cooperatively to advance conservation of the selected spe- cies by identifying specific research projects, actions, and opportunities that will significantly and clearly support conservation efforts. Cyclura are the only lizards selected under the joint program. The zoos participating in the program include the San Diego Wild Animal Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, The Wilds, White Oak Conservation Center and the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center. USFWS participation will be coordinated by Bruce Weissgold in the Division of Management Authority (bruce_weissgold @fws.gov). IN THIS ISSUE News & Comments ............... 1 RCC Facility at Fort Worth j The Fort Worth Zoo recently opened their Animal Outreach and Conservation Center (ARCC) in an off-exhibit Iguanas in the News ............... 3 A area of the zoo. The $1 million facility actually consists of three separate units. Taxon Reports ...................... 7 The primary facility houses the zoo’s outreach collection, while a state-of-the-art B. vitiensis ...................... 7 reptile conservation greenhouse will highlight the zoo’s work with endangered C. pinguis ..................... 9 iguanas and chelonians.
    [Show full text]
  • Sauromalus Hispidus
    ARTÍCULOS CIENTÍFICOS Cerdá-Ardura & Langarica-Andonegui 2018 - Sauromalus hispidus in Rasa Island- p 17-28 ON THE PRESENCE OF THE SPINY CHUCKWALLA SAUROMALUS HISPIDUS (STEJNEGER, 1891) IN RASA ISLAND, MEXICO PRESENCIA DEL CHACHORÓN ESPINOSO SAUROMALUS HISPIDUS (STEJNEGER, 1891) EN LA ISLA DE RASA, MÉXICO Adrián Cerdá-Ardura1* and Esther Langarica-Andonegui2 1Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic. 2Facultad de Ciencias, Uiversidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México. *Correspondence author: [email protected] Abstract.— In 2006 and 2013 two different individuals of the Spiny Chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus) were found on the small, flat, volcanic and isolated Rasa Island, located in the Midriff Region of the Gulf of California, Mexico. This species had never been recorded from Rasa Island prior to 2006. A new field study in 2014 revealed the presence of a single female chuckwalla inhabiting the Tapete Verde Valley, in the south-central part of the island, occupying a territory no bigger than 10000 m2. A scat analysis shows that the only food consumed by the animal is the Alkali Weed (Cressa truxilliensis) that forms patches of carpets in its habitat. The individual is in precarious condition, as it seems to starve on a seasonal basis, especially during El Niño cycles; also, it is missing fingers and toes, which appear to be intentional markings by amputation. We conclude that the two individuals were introduced to the island intentionally by humans. Keywords.— Chuckwalla, Gulf of California, Rasa Island. Resumen.— En 2006 y 2013 se encontraron dos individuos diferentes del cachorón de roca o chuckwalla espinoso (Sauromalus hispidus) en la pequeña, plana, volcánica y aislada isla Rasa, localizada en la Región de las Grandes Islas, en el Golfo de California, México.
    [Show full text]
  • Iguanid and Varanid CAMP 1992.Pdf
    CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR IGUANIDAE AND VARANIDAE WORKING DOCUMENT December 1994 Report from the workshop held 1-3 September 1992 Edited by Rick Hudson, Allison Alberts, Susie Ellis, Onnie Byers Compiled by the Workshop Participants A Collaborative Workshop AZA Lizard Taxon Advisory Group IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group SPECIES SURVIVAL COMMISSION A Publication of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124 USA A contribution of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and the AZA Lizard Taxon Advisory Group. Cover Photo: Provided by Steve Reichling Hudson, R. A. Alberts, S. Ellis, 0. Byers. 1994. Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for lguanidae and Varanidae. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN. Additional copies of this publication can be ordered through the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Send checks for US $35.00 (for printing and shipping costs) payable to CBSG; checks must be drawn on a US Banlc Funds may be wired to First Bank NA ABA No. 091000022, for credit to CBSG Account No. 1100 1210 1736. The work of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group is made possible by generous contributions from the following members of the CBSG Institutional Conservation Council Conservators ($10,000 and above) Australasian Species Management Program Gladys Porter Zoo Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Sponsors ($50-$249) Chicago Zoological
    [Show full text]
  • Roatán Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura Oedirhina) Conservation Action Plan 2020–2025 Edited by Stesha A
    Roatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) Conservation action plan 2020–2025 Edited by Stesha A. Pasachnik, Ashley B.C. Goode and Tandora D. Grant INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE IUCN IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. IUCN works on biodiversity, climate change, energy, human livelihoods and greening the world economy by supporting scientific research, managing field projects all over the world, and bringing governments, NGOs, the UN and companies together to develop policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,400 government and NGO members and almost 15,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by around 950 staff in more than 50 countries and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www.iucn.org IUCN Species Programme The IUCN Species Programme supports the activities of the IUCN Species Survival Commission and individual Specialist Groups, as well as implementing global species conservation initiatives. It is an integral part of the IUCN Secretariat and is managed from IUCN’s international headquarters in Gland, Switzerland. The Species Programme includes a number of technical units covering Wildlife Trade, the Red List, Freshwater Biodiversity Assessments (all located in Cambridge, UK), and the Global Biodiversity Assessment Initiative (located in Washington DC, USA). IUCN Species Survival Commission The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is the largest of IUCN’s six volunteer commissions with a global membership of more than 9,000 experts.
    [Show full text]
  • RHINOCEROS IGUANA Cyclura Cornuta Cornuta (Bonnaterre 1789)
    HUSBANDRY GUIDELINES: RHINOCEROS IGUANA Cyclura cornuta cornuta (Bonnaterre 1789) REPTILIA: IGUANIDAE Compiler: Cameron Candy Date of Preparation: DECEMBER, 2009 Institute: Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond, NSW, Australia Course Name/Number: Certificate III in Captive Animals - 1068 Lecturers: Graeme Phipps - Jackie Salkeld - Brad Walker Husbandry Guidelines: C. c. cornuta 1 ©2009 Cameron Candy OHS WARNING RHINOCEROS IGUANA Cyclura c. cornuta RISK CLASSIFICATION: INNOCUOUS NOTE: Adult C. c. cornuta can be reclassified as a relatively HAZARDOUS species on an individual basis. This may include breeding or territorial animals. POTENTIAL PHYSICAL HAZARDS: Bites, scratches, tail-whips: Rhinoceros Iguanas will defend themselves when threatened using bites, scratches and whipping with the tail. Generally innocuous, however, bites from adults can be severe resulting in deep lacerations. RISK MANAGEMENT: To reduce the risk of injury from these lizards the following steps should be followed: - Keep animal away from face and eyes at all times - Use of correct PPE such as thick gloves and employing correct and safe handling techniques when close contact is required. Conditioning animals to handling is also generally beneficial. - Collection Management; If breeding is not desired institutions can house all female or all male groups to reduce aggression - If aggressive animals are maintained protective instrument such as a broom can be used to deflect an attack OTHER HAZARDS: Zoonosis: Rhinoceros Iguanas can potentially carry the bacteria Salmonella on the surface of the skin. It can be passed to humans through contact with infected faeces or from scratches. Infection is most likely to occur when cleaning the enclosure. RISK MANAGEMENT: To reduce the risk of infection from these lizards the following steps should be followed: - ALWAYS wash hands with an antiseptic solution and maintain the highest standards of hygiene - It is also advisable that Tetanus vaccination is up to date in the event of a severe bite or scratch Husbandry Guidelines: C.
    [Show full text]
  • NAME: Land Iguana and Marine Iguana – Both in the Family Iguanidae CLASSIFICATION: Land: Ge- Nus Conolophus; Species (Two) Su
    Grab & Go NAME: Land Iguana and Marine Iguana – both in the Family Iguanidae CLASSIFICATION: Land: Ge- nus Conolophus; Species (two) subcristatus and pallidus Marine: Genus Amblyrhynchus; Species cristatus MAIN MESSAGES: The Galapagos are a quintessential example of islands as living laboratories of evolution. ✤ Beginning with Darwin and Wallace, the study of islands has provided insight into how organisms colo- nize new environments and, through successive genera- tions, undergo changes that make their descendants more suited to thrive in the new environment CAS has made research ex- peditions to the Galapagos and has been involved in conservation efforts there for over 100 years. ✤ CAS collections from the Galapagos are the best in the world. Today, the Academy continues its research in the Galapagos and maintains the best collection of Galapagos materials in the world. Scientists at CAS collect plants and animals on research expedi- tions around the world. Their work and Academy collections provide invaluable baseline information about human impacts and change over time. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT: All are inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. A spiny- tailed Central American Iguana may be ancestral to all three, but the marine species evolved from the terrestrial iguanas and thus is endemic to the Galapagos. Further, it is the only sea-going iguana in the world, and spends its entire life in the intertidal/sub- tidal zones. Although the land iguanas live on several islands, they are mostly seen on Plaza Sur. More widespread, the marine iguanas are seen in the channel between Isa- bella and Fernandina and along the cliffs of Espanola. DESCRIPTION AND DIET: Marine iguanas may range from 2 to 20 lbs, usually with a blackish color.
    [Show full text]